Hoisted Structure Braking System with Active Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety braking systems for hoisted structures, such as elevator systems, are complex and semi-passive, failing to provide precise control over braking force and often require multiple components, which can lead to inefficiencies and instability.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with a brake member that frictionally engages a guide rail, actuated by an electromechanical mechanism or solenoid, allowing for controlled braking force application through frictional engagement, and utilizing a biasing spring for actuation, enabling active control of the braking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism with governor, governor rope, tension device and safety actuation module is used to actuate the braking device, then the braking system can provide reliable actuation, but the device complexity increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional braking mechanism. Specifically, it removes the governor, governor rope, and tension device, retaining only the essential brake member and actuation mechanism. This simplification reduces device complexity while maintaining braking reliability through direct actuation of the brake member by the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the brake member itself. The brake member integrates the braking function with the actuation interface, eliminating the need for separate components like lift rods and linkages. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall mechanism while preserving reliable braking actuation.
2Device complexity
If traditional semi-passive braking systems are used, then the system structure is simpler, but control over braking force is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the braking system from a static, semi-passive mechanism to a dynamic, actively controlled system. The actuator is configured to actively control the position of the brake member, enabling real-time adjustment of braking force. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt braking force to operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple structural configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used in the braking mechanism, then actuation reliability is improved, but weight of the hoisted structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes heavy components such as the governor assembly, governor rope, and tension device from the braking system. By eliminating these unnecessary parts, the overall weight of the hoisted structure is reduced while braking reliability is maintained through the simplified direct-actuation mechanism consisting of the brake member and actuator.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies the braking mechanism, provides precise control over braking force, reduces weight and complexity, and ensures reliable deceleration and holding of the hoisted structure, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a brake member for coupling to the hoisted structure and having a brake surface configured to frictionally engage the guide rail
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a biasing spring for actuation
Implementation Method 3
the brake member actuation mechanism comprises a solenoid operatively coupled to the brake member with a biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system for a hoisted structure guided along a guide rail is provided. The braking system includes a brake member for coupling to the hoisted structure and having a brake surface configured to frictionally engage the guide rail, the brake member moveable between a braking position and a non-braking position. Further included is a brake member actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the brake member and configured to actuate the brake member from the non-braking position to the braking position, the brake member actuation mechanism remaining coupled to the brake member in the braking position to control the braking force applied on the hoisted structure by the frictional engagement between the guide rail and the brake member.